I posted this first on the blood disorders board, but I think it's more of an immune problem so I'm posting it here too!

Does anyone here selective IgA deficiency? I was diagnosed with it some 10 years ago, but it always seemed like it was a bigger deal to my doctor than to me. I haven't seen my doc for a few years and now I am starting to worry about it. I have been having symptoms of all kinds of things and I am feeling terrible. I thought that I had Lyme Disease, but my tests just came back negative for that. So that got me thinking about my IgA deficiency and maybe that is causing my symptoms. The info that I find online either makes it sound like a total big deal or a non issue. Which is it? Does anyone have any credible info about this syndrome? The websites make is sound like it's pretty common, but I don't know anyone else with it, and my GP has never heard of it.

I called my hematologist who used to 'deal with this with me' and he should call back some time this week. The waiting game!

Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thank You!
Steph

Hi, Steph...I have an IgA deficiency too; it was under 4 (yes, 4) when it was tested, but honestly, I've never noticed anything unusual or alarming about it. It is found mainly in the secretions of mucus membranes, if I remember correctly, so it would be found in tears, saliva, etc. It functions to keep out the bacteria and other yukkies that try to get in. The only thing I did notice was that I got a couple eye infections this past winter, but I've also got lupus and Sjogren's syndrome, so it could be either of those, too. I asked a rheumatologist I'd seen before what to make of it, and he said it was very common and basically treated it like it was no big deal. So, to make a long story short, I guess it's nothing to worry about...thank goodness! Take care, Sue

Hi there

I have selective IGa deficiency also, have had it since 1988. I recieve monthly IGIV infusions which has helped me stay relatively healthy for the most part. [ removed ]
Jerimy

I cannot believe I just lost my entire post. Arggh! let me briefly recap that I have this too. I have very mildy low level. I get a lot of sinus infections. Once I got on top of that with allergy medicine I haven't been feeling as bad.

My doctor said the blood transfusions should be the last resort. My doctor is Nancy Carteron in S.F. She saved me from years of horrible doctors who treated me like I was a drug seeker or a hypochondriac. She figured out my problems in life two visits. I also have a rhumetoid thing going on which no arthritis doctor ever bothered taking a test for! Good luck and keep us posted as to what is going on...

Its seems there is a huge range in how IgA deficiency affects people so it can be a big deal or a non issue - that's the frustrating part. Some people with almost non existant IgA have no symptoms at all, while others with only moderately low levels have serious ongoing problems with infection and autoimmune conditions. I have predominantly an IgG deficiency although my IgA is low too. From the materials I have from the immunologist it seems that IgA deficiencty is the most common form of primary immune dissease. The puzzle with this disorder is how it affects people so differently. It just shows how little we really know about how our immune system functions.

I posted a reply to another question but when I saw this post I wanted to let people know about immunoglobulin infusions.

I have an IGg1 and IGg3 deficiency...also IgA. IgA is fairly common and a lot of people don't know they have it. It is usally in response to a recent infection.

In regards to immunoglobulin infusions my immunologist told me that it is now believed that prions can pass through the blood treatment process. Prions have been associated with BCF and mad cow disease. Blood products always carry some risk as they can only be screened for known virus'. As it takes approx. 750 blood donations for one treatment of intragram (human immunoglobulin) the risks are a bit higher especially in regards to prions!!!!

Just thought I would share this with you...don't mean to frighten anyone...but I think people need to know.